Zambia, which has never participated in any final phase of the World Cup (men and women combined) will experience its baptism of fire next summer in Oceania. His women’s team has indeed qualified for world Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand (July 20 – August 20).
If, on paper, Zambia, which is 77th in the FIFA rankings, is Tom Thumb of Group C (Japan, Spain, Costa Rica), coach Bruce Mwape ures that his team will not come to Oceania to of the figure.
“Some people don’t know where Zambia is. This will give them the opportunity to look at a world map to find out.”
Bruce Mwape, Zambia coach
“Although we start at this level, we will not come to make the number, said the technician, who had already achieved the feat of qualifying Zambia for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. From the little experience we have gained, I think we are capable of challenging any team. It won’t be easy but it’s the others who think we’ll go there as outsiders. As far as I’m concerned, we’re going to compete. »
If he hopes that the Copper Queens will create a sporting surprise, Mwape sees in this historic participation the opportunity to make known the landlocked southern African country to the whole world: “Some people don’t know where Zambia is. This will give them the opportunity to look at a world map to find out. »